Proper Debris Management

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The definition of construction and demolition debris can vary among states however, according to FEMA’s debris manual, it encompasses: “damaged components of buildings and structures, such as lumber and wood, gypsum wallboard, glass, metal, roofing material, tile, carpeting and floor coverings, window coverings, pipe, concrete, fully cured asphalt, equipment, furnishings, and fixtures.” 3

Debris in Populated Areas

While most disasters produce debris, floods, the most dangerous and costly type of natural disasters in the United States, produce extensive amounts of it — both natural and man-made. After flooding in a populated area subsides, people return to their homes and businesses to begin the cleaning process. That process can often entail gutting affected structures. All of this activity generates a steady stream of debris, which is often placed onto public right-of-ways.

A common error is to incorrectly estimate the amount of debris based on what is immediately visible. However, the amount of debris placed onto right-of- ways will continue to increase as more people return to the area. Sometimes, volunteer groups arrive to assist residents and business owners. If the amount of debris is underestimated, it can significantly slow down the recovery effort simply because there isn’t enough equipment onsite to handle the debris removal.

Three Categories of Debris Removal

Debris removal can be divided into three categories: Public property debris removal, private property debris removal and private property demolitions.

• • Public property debris removal is relatively simple since the debris is located on public property or on a right-of-way and does not require permission from the property owner for removal. The public property can include maintained beaches, parks, golf courses, etc.
• • Private property debris removal can be undertaken in certain circumstances, but significantly more documentation is involved and approval has to be given by the FEMA federal coordinating officer prior to the work being done. The approval process can be very slow when an applicant is fully engaged in disaster response and other recovery work.
• • Private property demolition is the most complicated debris removal category due to the volume of documentation required and the necessary involvement of many different stakeholders. When a structure creates an immediate threat to the health and safety of the community at large, private property demolition can be authorized by the FEMA Public Assistance group supervisor. The three main conditions that must be met for the demolition to be funded under the Public Assistance Program are:

“A common error is to incorrectly estimate the amount of debris based on what is immediately visible.”